In The Oregonian’s Handbook of the Pacific Northwest has a section on Holladay's Addition: “Perhaps the most favored location by nature for the erection of fine residences in Portland is in what is known as Holladay's Addition. The tract of land thus designated embraces about 400 acres, which lies on the east side of the Willamette river, opposite the best business part of the city. It is within easy reach of all parts of Portland by means of the principal lines of electric rail- ways, and direct access to the west side of the river is had over the Railroad, Burn- side, Morrison and Madison-street bridges.

The property is all high and sightly, the slope back from the river being a gradual and easy rise, and all parts of the Addition command the best views of Portland and the surrounding country of any district in the city. That portion of this desirable property which lies nearest to the water front will become valuable for business purposes.

The owners of this property have inaugurated a system of improvements which, with a wise policy in handling the property, has made this the most desirable residence portion of the city. These improvements consist of street work, including grading, sewerage and paving, the laying of sidewalks, and supplying lights and water. The residents of this part of Portland enjoy all the conveniences afforded any of the best residence centers of the large cities of the continent, and many of the best known people of Portland have homes here.

Holladay's Addition, under the management of its owners, has not been allowed to become the site of cheap or unattractive private dwellings. All deeds to property in a special part of the Addition reserved for residences contain a building clause which prevents the erection of any building except private dwellings. The company which owns and controls that portion of the property which is still unsold offers special inducements to purchasers who wish to build homes. In the reserve district referred to above, in order to insure the erection of the finest class of residences, the company offers a rebate on the purchase price to those who will build good houses. The result has been to make Holladay's Addition the site of hand- some residences, some of them palatial in size and appointments, and all of these houses are surrounded by well-kept lawns and flower beds. This part of Portland may be truly said to be the home of the wealthy, the cultivated, and the better classes of Portland's people. While the prices of property in the Addition, considering the advantages of proximity to the business district, means of rapid transit, location, etc., are not high, the figures which the owners early placed on the lots were large enough to insure the building of homes here only of the better classes. The erection of the many fine homes which the Addition now contains has resulted in a regular appreciation of values here, and there is an absolute assurance that property will make the same rapid rise in value in the future that it has in the past.

As before stated, Holladay's Addition affords every advantage to those who desire a good home among attractive surroundings and in a good neighborhood. The Addition is well lighted by gas and electricity; under the city water system an ample supply of pure water is supplied for domestic and other purposes, and an efficient system of sewerage has been constructed. The location of Holladay's Addition alone is sufficient to cause the property to rise steadily in value in the future. With the solid business district of the city just across the river, barely half a mile distant to the west, with the great railroad shops and thickly settled part of Portland known as Albina touching the addition on the north, and with the old-established business and residence sections included in the former municipal limits of East Portland on the south, it is patent that this property must partake of all the advancement which is made in Portland as a whole.

Holladay's Addition property is sold by the owners, the Oregon Real Estate Company, which has offices at No. 203 Morrison street, Portland. The company's offices are open at all times for the reception of the general public. Those desiring information about the Addition, and in regard to terms, prices, etc., can, by inquiry by mail or otherwise of the Oregon Real Estate Company, No.

203 Morrison street, Portland, Oregon, receive a prompt answer, and a fine birds eye view of Holladay's Addition and the city of Portland.”

HISTORY

This park is named after Benjamin Holladay (1819-1887), known to many as "a sharpster, a con man, and a rake." He stirred things up wherever he went and was a bit of a dandy, dressing like a riverboat gambler. He was said to be "wholly destitute of fixed principles of honesty, morality, or common decency." In 1868 Holladay sold his stagecoach business in California to Wells Fargo and moved to Portland to get involved in the railroad business. His goal was to build a rail line to California along the east side of the Willamette River. In order to do so, he spent a total of $55,000 in bribe money to help secure his company's endorsement. He also built two large hotels in the area where the park bearing his name is now located. Known as an extravagant spender, Holladay owned numerous mansions on both coasts and had overextended himself financially. He lost his railroad in 1876 and died in Portland in 1887. 

Commissioned by the Lloyd Corporation and Pacific Power & Light in 1964, a concrete fountain featuring music and lights was installed in the park. Designed by Jack Stuhl, assisted by Ted Widing and Phillips Electrical, the musical fountain was a favorite gathering place for park visitors. It was replaced in 2000, in conjunction with a major renovation of the park, by a spouting fountain designed by Tim Clemen and Murase Associates. 

Across the street from Holladay Park is Llyod Center mall.